Using Direct Observation Treatment (DOTS) to beat tuberculosis - A World Health Organisation strategy to address the increasing incidence of tuberculosis Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview The aim of the DOTS strategy is to reduce the number of deaths worldwide from tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent the increasing incidence of multi-drug resistant TB. Multi-drug resistant TB has developed as a result of poorly managed TB programs where sufferers have not completed their entire treatment regime or have been given incorrect medication or inappropriate dosage of the medication. This has resulted in outbreaks of TB which are resistant to the drugs commonly used to treat the disease and has the potential to affect an enormous proportion of the world's population, including those living in developed countries. The DOTS strategy is a curative strategy based on the early diagnosis of TB and the direct observation of the sufferers taking their medication for at least the first two months of treatment. The treatment regimen is six to eight months. With direct observation of treatment, it is anticipated that 80% of deaths attributed to TB worldwide will be prevented. Level Upper secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles Note: This case study has been written with particular attention to the VCE Health and Human Development Curriculum, Unit 4, An international perspective on development and health. The case study is also useful for the following learning areas: Health and personal development Health of individuals and populations (Concept strand) Studies of Society and Environment Place and space, resources (Concept Strands) Investigation, communication and participation (Process Strand) Objectives Students will: Raise their awareness of the issue of TB and its impact on individuals, families, communities and the wider global community Investigate the barriers that exist in developing countries which impact on the effective implementation of a DOTS strategy Consider the roles and responsibilities of governments to address the issue of tuberculosis Analyse the DOTS strategy and draw conclusions about its effectiveness Investigate ways in which this strategy optimises development and health at each stage of the life span. Preparation Copies of the case study (1 per student) Butchers paper and marker pens Procedure The role of the teacher is largely that of a facilitator although the teacher may be required to introduce the concepts of primary health care and the role of the World Health Organisation. It may also be necessary for the teacher to introduce and assist students to construct a concept map. Students will explore their existing knowledge about TB and its treatment. Based on the information in the case study, students will work in small groups and use a concept map to examine how tuberculosis impacts on the physical, social and emotional development of an individual, and its impact on a family, local community and the wider global community. Students will use this information to identify how this strategy could optimise development and health across the life span. Students will have an opportunity to analyse the DOTS strategy and draw conclusions about its effectiveness. The DOTS strategy is a curative strategy that is effective in reducing the incidence of death from TB. Teachers may find it useful to explore immunisation as a preventive strategy to address the incidence of TB and the complementary nature of these strategies in controlling and eliminating TB. Resources - Tuberculosis and DOTS Using the search facilities of following websites would be useful for providing further information on tuberculosis, the DOTS strategy, and immunisation strategies. Type of Information Location World Health Organisation Tuberculosis prevention and control. WHO site wit information on tuberculosis. htttp://www.who.int/gtb World Health Organisation Tuberculosis and the DOT strategy. www.stoptb.org/ tuberculosis This site contains an enormous amount of information on tuberculosis and the DOTS strategy. It also provides a link to many other resources relating to tuberculosis, many of which can be accessed online. http://www.stoptb.org/tuberculosis World Bank Use the search facility to enter the topic of tuberculosis and you will be able to access a wide range of programs developed to address the increasing rates of tuberculosis.www.worldbank.org/ UNICEF Use the search facility to obtain a huge range of programs and information relating to tuberculosis.www.unicef.org Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation This site provides some excellent information on tuberculosis and the further research needed to provide an effective vaccine. The site explores the issues of immunisation and provides links to a range of other useful sites.www.ifrc.org World Vision The search facility will provide a range of options for further exploration of tuberculosis.www.worldvision.org * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. 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